The Korea Times reported on its front page that South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has suggested dealing with Trump's unpredictability. Political analysts emphasized the importance of building a good relationship, as the unstable security order in Asia has made allies uneasy due to North Korea's belligerence, China's growing confidence, and Washington's uncertain commitments.
How the South Korean president deals with the unpredictable Trump will be seen as a measure of Seoul's ability to maintain its most important partnership - the alliance with the United States.
The South Korean government is preparing for future discussions, as Trump has made some exaggerated statements about South Korea previously.
In October 2024, he claimed that 40,000 U.S. troops were stationed in South Korea, while the actual number is 28,500. He also described South Korea as a "money-making machine," pressuring it to pay more for the presence of U.S. troops, which was very dramatic.
In February, during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump had a heated public confrontation over what he believed was insufficient support from Ukraine for the U.S. in countering Russia's offensive, sometimes even overshadowing Zelenskyy's responses.
A summit with U.S. President Donald Trump may be tense, not only because of complex policy negotiations but also because of his unpredictable diplomatic style.
Analysts warned that Yoon Suk-yeol, who was once a local governor and legislator, has limited foreign experience, and if Trump makes unstable remarks or misstates facts about South Korea, he needs to remain calm.
An anonymous local diplomatic observer said that Yoon Suk-yeol should prioritize safeguarding national interests at the summit and avoid excessive flattery.
In May, when meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Trump again claimed that there was a "white genocide" in South Africa and presented videos and photos he claimed supported this accusation. Later, it was found that these videos were not shot in South Africa, but in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Foreign leaders arriving at the White House often feel uneasy because Trump's impromptu speeches can lead to awkward, and sometimes even uncomfortable moments.
When South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol traveled to Washington on Monday local time for his first summit with Trump, he may also be preparing for similar situations. Park Jin-ho, a researcher at the Korea National Strategy Institute, said: "For Yoon Suk-yeol, the best approach is to remain calm and composed. If Trump says something unexpected or inaccurate about South Korea, don't respond immediately."
"Friendly remarks help build a good relationship, but Trump is essentially a businessman who takes a transactional approach to everything. Yoon Suk-yeol should show that he can stand firm when necessary," the analyst said. "Given the president's limited experience in bilateral talks, it is wise to consult his foreign policy advisors for guidance."
During Trump's first term, South Korean leaders also experienced embarrassing moments with him. In May 2018, during a bilateral summit held at the White House, former President Moon Jae-in sat for 25 minutes.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841022413449292/
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